Hull City and Middlesbrough are set to clash at Wembley Stadium in the Championship play-off final, with a late change to the kick-off time now confirmed. The match, originally scheduled for 4:30pm, will now begin at 3:30pm on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Reason for the Change
The adjustment follows a major Spygate scandal that led to Southampton's expulsion from the play-offs. The club admitted to filming opponents' training sessions, resulting in an Independent Disciplinary Commission ruling of multiple breaches of EFL regulations. Middlesbrough, who lost to Southampton in the semi-finals, were reinstated. Had Southampton won their appeal, the original 4:30pm start would have stood, but the match now kicks off an hour earlier.
Match Venue and Broadcast Details
The high-stakes encounter will take place at Wembley Stadium, which has hosted the final since its reopening in 2007. Last year, Sunderland defeated Sheffield United 2-1 in the same fixture. UK fans can watch live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage starting at 2:30pm. Streaming is available via the Sky Go app or a NOW sports membership.
Team News
Hull City: Eliot Matazo is out with a long-term ACL injury, and Kyle Joseph underwent ankle surgery after the semi-final win over Millwall. However, Cody Drameh and Amir Hadziahmetovic return, and David Akintola is cleared to play after re-registration.
Middlesbrough: Darragh Lenihan is ruled out with a recurring Achilles injury, and Tommy Conway picked up a semi-final injury. A boost comes from Hayden Hackney's return to training after being absent since March.
What's at Stake
The winner joins Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League for the 2026/27 season, with over £100 million in projected revenue on the line. The pressure on both teams is immense.
